Athletic Bilbao Face Tricky Copa del Rey Test Away at Giant-Killers Ourense
Athletic Bilbao are set to kick off their Copa del Rey journey with a potentially awkward trip to Estadio de O Couto, where they take on third-tier side Ourense CF with a place in the round of 16 on the line. On paper, this looks like a straightforward task for one of Spain’s most historic clubs, but recent history suggests this will be anything but simple.
Ourense have quietly built a reputation as Copa del Rey giant-killers, and that reputation has been earned the hard way. Earlier in this season’s competition, they stunned top-flight Real Oviedo in a dramatic extra-time battle before following it up with another eye-catching scalp, knocking out Girona. Those wins were not flukes. A sense of belief has clearly been created, and it has been carried over from last season, when La Liga sides Deportivo La Coruna and Real Valladolid were also beaten on their way to the last 16.
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That said, the hosts come into this match with a few warning signs. A long unbeaten run recently came to an end, and defensive solidity has started to slip after a period of clean sheets. Goals have been conceded more freely in recent weeks, and a two-goal lead was even thrown away in their latest league outing. Still, at home, and with nothing to lose, Ourense are expected to play with confidence and intensity.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, arrive with concerns of their own. Goals have been hard to come by, with the team failing to score in several recent matches, including a disappointing loss away to Celta Vigo. Inconsistency has been a recurring issue, and away form in particular has been a problem, with defeats piling up on the road. Despite that, pedigree matters in this competition, and few clubs have more of it than Athletic.
As the second-most successful side in Copa del Rey history, this tournament holds special significance for the Lions. Having lifted the trophy as recently as 2023–24, expectations remain high, even if last season ended earlier than hoped. A rotated lineup is expected, partly due to injuries and partly to manage the schedule, but experienced names and returning players should still give Athletic an edge.
Injuries have forced Ernesto Valverde to juggle his options, while Ourense appear close to full strength, which only adds another layer of intrigue. The contrast is clear: one side driven by momentum and belief, the other relying on experience and tradition.
Ultimately, this feels like a classic Copa del Rey night. Ourense are likely to make it uncomfortable, especially early on, but Athletic Bilbao’s quality and know-how are expected to show over the course of the match. It may not be pretty, and it may not be high-scoring, but the Lions are still tipped to edge through and keep their Copa del Rey story alive.
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